Aviation icon, Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi dies

The Chairman of Chanchangi Airlines, Alhaji
Ahmadu Chanchangi, is dead. The Taraba
State-born Kaduna-based billionaire died along
Kaduna-Abuja Road, on his way to a hospital in
Abuja, yesterday morning.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has
extended his condolences to the Chanchangi
family, describing the aviation icon as a
business mogul and one of Nigeria’s
outstanding philanthropists.
A family source said: “He died along the road,
while we were rushing him to a hospital in
Abuja, after a protracted illness.
“He will be buried by 2p.m. today (yesterday),
according to Islamic rites at the Bashama
Road Cemetery,” another family source added.
Thousands of Kaduna residents, yesterday,
trooped to the cemetery. After he was laid to
rest, an aide of the late businessman told
journalists that he died on the way to Abuja,
where he was being taken to for medical
attention.
Though details of the late businessman’s
sickness were unknown, one of his aides said
he suffered a relapse from a pre-existing
sickness and had been in coma since last
week Friday.
Early callers to the Chanchangi family house
included former Kaduna State governor,
Ahmed Makarfi; former Chairman of PDP in
Kaduna State, Alhaji Yaro Makama; Director
General, Bureau for Religious Affairs in
Kaduna, Alhaji Namadi Musa, and Senator Bala
Ibn Na’Allah.
Prominent Islamic Sheik, Ahmad Gumi, led the
prayers.
He is survived by three wives and 33 children,
among who is Rufai Chanchangi, a member of
the House of Representatives.
President Buhari
In a statement by his spokesman, Mallam
Garba Shehu, President Buhari also
commiserated with the government and people
of the deceased home state, Taraba, and that
of Kaduna, where he lived.
The President said that Chachangi was a
notable entrepreneur, who devoted his wealth
to the advancement of the welfare of others
instead of pursuing conspicuous consumption
in a society overwhelmed by poverty.
He said: “His commi-tment to humanitarian
causes is demonstrated in his offering succour
to the needy, sponsoring community
enlightenment programmes and uplifting of
people’s spiritual well-being.”